(she/her)
New to Grow
“I’m a licensed professional counselor and certified traumatologist who works with children, teens, and adults. I focus on complex trauma, grief, anxiety, self-harm, Suicidal Idealization, and high-stress professionals like pilots, military, and first responders. My style is warm, straightforward, and practical, using evidence-based tools and, when clients want it, a gentle, faith-sensitive approach. We will always approach therapy on your terms.
First session is low-pressure: we’ll spend most of the time getting to know each other, what brought you in, and any immediate safety concerns. I’ll ask about history, current symptoms, supports, and goals, explain confidentiality and logistics, and together we’ll make a simple plan for next steps and homework if needed.
My greatest strengths are my deep experience with complex trauma and my calm, steady way of handling really hard stories. I’ve spent over 25 years in education and clinical work, helping kids, teens, and adults move from chaos and shame toward clarity and confidence. Clients tell me I’m warm, straightforward, and practical—I don’t just listen, I help you notice patterns, build real‑life coping tools, and stay grounded when things feel overwhelming.
My ideal clients are kids, teens, and adults who’ve been through traumatic or high‑stress experiences and want practical, truth‑focused healing. That includes children who need play‑based work to express big feelings, teens struggling with self‑harm, anxiety, or grief, and adults (especially pilots, first responders, and other high‑stress professionals) wrestling with PTSD, relationship wounds, or career burnout. They want a warm, down‑to‑earth clinician who uses evidence‑based tools (EMDR, CBT, DBT) and, when helpful, faith‑centered supports to help them feel safer, clearer, and more able to move forward.
Other specialties
I identify as
EMDR
I use EMDR to help your brain safely reprocess traumatic or painful experiences so they don’t feel so intense or ‘stuck.’ In session, we’ll identify the memories or themes that keep getting triggered, then use gentle bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) while you focus on them. We go at your pace, stay grounded in the present, and check in often so you feel safe and in control the whole time.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you spot unhelpful thoughts and habits that keep problems alive, then practice new ways of thinking and acting that actually work. We’ll track patterns together, test beliefs against real‑life evidence, and build small, doable skills you can use between sessions so change sticks. It’s practical, collaborative, and focused on measurable steps toward the goals you bring.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to help you build skills for getting through big emotions and tough situations without making things worse. In session, we’ll practice concrete tools for calming your body, handling crises, setting boundaries, and staying present instead of shutting down or exploding. I mix teaching, real-life examples, and a lot of validation so you can actually use these skills between sessions, not just talk about them.
Faith based therapy
I offer faith-based therapy for clients who want their Christian faith to be part of the healing process. That can look like weaving in prayer, scripture, and faith themes alongside solid, evidence-based tools like EMDR, CBT, and DBT. You’re always in charge of how much or how little we bring faith into session, and I’ll never push beliefs on you.
Play Therapy
I use child-centered play therapy to give kids a safe, natural way to work through big feelings and experiences they don’t always have words for. In session, I let the child lead through play, art, and stories while I track themes, reflect their inner world, and gently set boundaries for safety. This approach helps them build coping skills, confidence, and language for their feelings at a pace that fits their age and personality.